I was elected as a TD for the constituency of Dublin South East in 2011, now known as Dublin Bay South - a constituency that stretches from Ringsend to Terenure, and Portobello to Donnybrook. I became active in politics through my community, campaigning on issues related to health, community facilities, planning and the environment.

My Record as a CouncillorI first ran for election in 1999, becoming a Councillor for the South East Inner City ward of Dublin City Council which includes Ringsend, Irishtown, Pearse St, Portobello, Kevin St, Beggars Bush and parts of Sandymount.In 2002 I became Leader of the Labour group on Dublin City Council.

I was re-elected in 2004 and 2009, topping the poll both times. During that time I worked on delivering balanced budgets, two development plans for Dublin City, and the Dublin Bikes scheme –working towards creating a better city for all of us. I served as deputy Lord Mayor of Dublin City in 2009.

In 2011 I ran for election with Ruairi Quinn, making history in Dublin South East when the people elected two Labour TDs for the first time.

My Record as a TD

As a backbencher I served as Convenor of the Oireachtas Committee on Finance, Public Expenditure and Reform, where my priorities were holdign thebanks to account, advocating for mortgage holders, and strenthening oversight and accountability. I secured an important concession to the Dáil on the Budget process when the economic data and figures provided to the Fiscal Advisory Council by the Department of Finance would also be given to TDs on the Finance Committee at the same time. I sought and secured reforms like a strenthened Freedom of Information Act that ensured semi-states and many Agencies are now covered by that law.

I was also a member on the Oireachtas Committee on the Environment, Culture and the Gaeltacht where my priorities were a law on climate change, investment in our water infrastructure and building housing. My proposal for an Independent Advisory Council on Climate Change was accepted in the Bill we passed into law.

About Kevin HumphreysFirst raised in Ballsbridge Cottages, my family later moved to South Lotts near Ringsend, where my family have lived and worked for generations in Boland Mills.I spent several years in the 1970's working for Ericsson installing telephone exchange systems around Ireland. During this time I also spent a year working in Nigeria.On returning to Ireland I married my wife Catherine, and after going through difficult times in the 1980's of unemployment and negative equity I secured a position working in the pharmaceutical industry with LEO Pharma in Crumlin. These experiences have influenced my politics as I have seen the importance of a decent job with good conditions, the importance of housing and supporting families, protecting our environment and investing in communities.

One of the first campaigns I worked on was against the 8th Amendment in 1983. That experience has influenced my passion for a more equal, tolerant and progressive Ireland - from supporting LGBT rights, to the right to remarry and the importance of improving women's rights. The last 30 years has seen Ireland change dramatically but what previous campaigns show is that without the Labour Party in Government, social change does not happen in Ireland.